Zucchini, Lemon and Ricotta Toast/Tartines

Everyday we pinch ourselves, wondering if Summer really has arrived or what really happened to Spring. Time flying-by is an understatement these days, especially when we’re dividing our time between the studio, travel and obsessive gardening. But rather than contemplate the passing of each Summer day, we’re reveling in all the wonderful produce, warmth and abundant bottles of Rosé!

We’ve been working on a very ambitious recipe print journal project over the last 11 months and it never seems that we’ve had the time to finally execute the print logistics. Some of the big collections of recipes we’ve been developing are zucchini-based and rather than wait until our print magazine launches, we wanted to share some of our favorite recipes on the blog before Summer disappears. Before we know it, Christmas will be here and it wouldn’t be right to be hoarding all these Zucchini recipes. What good is a recipe when we can’t share it?

But don’t worry, we’re still launching our recipe magazine soon, so subscribe here to get the latest updates and one of the first to receive it in print.

One of our easiest and favorites is this zucchini tartine (toasts) that has filled our bellies on numerous occasions. Let’s count the ways that it’s a winning recipe: it’s vegetarian, fresh, easy, quick and uses up so much of the zucchini bounty in Summer. It’s always a favorite vegetarian appetizer or when paired with your favorite wine, it’s a satisfying dinner.

All you need is a few glasses of wine, a small salad and it’s a instant dinner for two or a munchie to share with your friends al fresco. That’s what Summer is about: al-fresco with friends. Let’s do this more often.

Zucchini, Lemon and Ricotta Tartines

Yield:Serves 3-4

Total Time:20 minutes

Always a favorite vegetarian appetizer, this tartine topped with sautéed zucchini is satisfying even as a meal. All you need is a glass of wine and a small salad and it’s an instant dinner for two, or appetizer for a small group.

Ingredients:

1 pound (455g) zucchini, coarsely grated

2 tablespoons (30g) butter

1 clove garlic, minced

3 tablespoons (45ml) minced shallots (about 2 medium shallots)

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

kosher or sea salt, to taste

fresh grated black pepper, to taste

¼ cup (60ml) grated parmesan cheese.

zest of 1 medium lemon

2 teaspoons (10ml) lemon juice

about 10 oz. (300ml) ricotta cheese

Slices of crusty bread, grilled (about 1 baguette worth)

Directions:

Lay grated zucchini on paper towels to squeeze out excess moisture.

Heat medium skillet on medium-high heat. Melt butter, and then add garlic and shallots. Cook until translucent, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Add zucchini. Cook until tender, about 2 minutes.

Add smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Cook for additional 1 minute, and then remove from heat. Allow zucchini to cool and release moisture, about 10 minutes, then drain excess moisture from the zucchini.

Stir in parmesan cheese, lemon zest and lemon juice.

Spread ricotta cheese on toast and spoon over zucchini. Sprinkle with paprika or lemon zest for garnish. Serve warm.

Hello! All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use our images without prior permission and do not re-publish this recipe. Simply link back to this post for the recipe. Thank you.
Recipe Note for Salt: All recipes containing salt are based on kosher or sea salt amounts, not table salt. If using table salt, reduce the amount used to taste.